Statement by Ministers Cannon and MacKay on the Results of the Multinational Enquiry into the Sinking of the Cheonan

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement regarding South Korea’s presentation of the findings of the multinational investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan (PCC-772).

“Evidence presented tonight points conclusively to a North Korean torpedo having been responsible for sinking the naval vessel Cheonan,” said Minister Cannon. “There is no other plausible explanation. We will work closely with South Korea, as well as our allies and partners, to determine the best way forward. Canada remains committed to the objective of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Korean peninsula. Canada strongly condemns this violent act of aggression by the North Korean regime. We are fully supportive of South Korea, our democratic ally and friend.”

“Canada is pleased to have contributed a team of experts from the Canadian Navy to assist in this multinational investigation,” said Minister MacKay. “The men and women in the Canadian Navy are among the best in the world, and this contribution continues Canada’s long-standing support to friends and allies who seek our help.”

On March 26, 2010, the Cheonan sank in waters near the Northern Limit Line, claiming the lives of 46 sailors. At the request of the South Korean government, Canada deployed three experts from the Canadian Navy to join the multinational team, which was led by South Korea and included representatives from Australia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and United States. The multinational team was tasked to provide expert advice on the investigation and the conclusions reached by South Korea.